Husqvarna Ring Saw Varieties on the Market

Perhaps you are one of the many people out there who's first response to the phase (ring saw) is “what in the heck is that”? Then when they finally see one and observe that it does resemble older, standard round bladed, circular cutting saws they then wonder why it was even developed.

Of course there are videos on YouTube that show the ring saw being used but then they read the comments. Comments that are without a doubt posted be tool dealers who feature cutters that are in direct completion with Husqvarna ring saw. Sure the comments will reflect that they are indeed an advanced technology but they dare not admit what anyone who has operated a circular cutting saw knows all too well.

That is that the gyroscopic force of the heavy spinning blade, gear system and motor makes them very difficult to maneuver. They're great on the straight cuts but a pain in the butt when you go to do corners or angles. Also the heavy spinning “full sided” standard blade makes for (gripping) on the sides in the cut, more hand and arm fatigue, more heat and simply more of everything you just don't want.

So while they do look very similar at first glance, once you pick up a ring saw and use it, the glaring differences in the two types of saws become all too apparent. Hence; they are seen being used on more job sites as more people discover their benefits. Also Husqvarna now has an even wider selection of ring saws to choose from.

The Husqvarna K-3600 is one of their smaller lower powered models with its 14” blade. It's hydraulically powered and has an achievable cutting depth of 266mm. While the fact that it is a hydraulic cutter means that it must have an outside hydraulic power source, this saw does have its benefits being that it is hydraulic. Benefits that do make it a very popular selling cutter.

For instance, the fact that its hydraulic means that there is no standard heavy rotating motor mechanism. The resulting lessened gyro effect means that this is a great saw for delicate and detailed work. Also because it is far quieter without a blaring gas motor, a far higher level of concentration is possible. The K-2500 is a similar hydraulic saw but with a larger 16” blade.

The Husqvarna K-960 is a heavy gas operated ring saw. It's powered by an air cooled 94cc 4.5 hp motor. This is a much heavier saw then the hydraulic models for obvious reasons and it weighs in at 28.8 pounds or 13.1kg. Like the K-3600, it runs a 10” blade that has a maximum attainable cutting depth of 260 cm.

Their K-950 model ring saw is pretty much a duplicate in size and features of their K-960 with one very obvious difference. That is that it comes with a larger more powerful two cycle motor. In fact it’s 6.1 hp and as such, delivers more power for heavier cutting jobs than its little brother the K-960.

Of course there are several other feature options that set all these various saws apart and you really do have to handle them when they are running before you should make a final decision on any one saw. Also it is important that you handle a standard flat circular blade saw as well to fully appreciate the handling and maneuverability difference that a ring saw makes.

About the Author

Chris Tyrrell writes for Red Band UK who stock Husqvarna cut n break saw products and many other leading construction industry tools brands.